On March 29th, a group of fourteen dedicated individuals gathered for a transformative day at LaVista Correctional, immersing ourselves in a series of thoughtfully designed practices aimed at fostering reflection on the decision-making processes that shape our lives. This retreat was not merely an exercise in self-exploration; it was a effort to cultivate better tools that would empower us to grow and thrive, irrespective of the circumstances surrounding us. The schedule I ha

I’m at the American Probation and Parole Association in Atlanta leading some yoga classes and presenting on mindful leadership. Good to be back where I completed undergrad Emory University. Took MARTA in from the airport and got off at the wrong stop. There I was confronted by a mentally ill person in a wheelchair who started yelling at me asking what was my problem, “have you never seen a serial killer before.”(answer was yes, many, and they don’t usually advertise their sta

On February 24th, we had an amazing discussion as part of the Prison Yoga Project yoga teacher training which is led by PYP’s Director of Training, Jen Lundgren. Joined by yoga students from all over the world we delve into issues related to leading yoga classes in correctional facilities. Authenticity was explored as being true to one's values and ethics, not wearing masks, and speaking one's truth—even when difficult. The discussion included the complexities of "being your

It was an absolute honor and pleasure to spend time with Director Erika Harold and Deputy Director Stephanie Villinski of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism as we presented on judicial wellbeing to two judicial circuits in Illinois on January 29, 2026. We missed the wisdom of our friend and colleague Dr. Diana Uchiyama, JD, PsyD, CAADC from Illinois LAP who usually presents on the clinical side of the issues of secondary trauma. Unfortunately, she wa